Easter sunrise, good news

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The Rev. Stephen King of the Harvey Memorial Community Church delivers the Easter sermon, “Good News,” to the congregation at the Manatee Public Beach in Holmes Beach. Islander Photo: Jack Elka

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Worshippers fill the beachfront from the cafe and lifeguard station south of the altar north to the playground at the 50th annual Easter Sunrise Service at the Manatee Public Beach in Holmes Beach. The event, which is presented by the Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island, drew its largest-ever congregation. The celebration is a cooperative effort by the six houses of worship on Anna Maria Island — as is the offertory. Islander Photo: Bonner Joy.

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Vocalist Daniel Paul Anzaldo performs “Christ Arose,” inspiring the congregation at the 50th annual Easter Sunrise Service at the Manatee Public Beach in Holmes Beach. He is accompanied by Drew Thomas. The event, which is presented by the Kiwanis Club of Anna Maria Island, drew its largest-ever congregation. The service includes participation by the six houses of worship on Anna Maria Island — which share in this year’s offering of $4,300. Manatee County Commissioner John Chappie, kneeling left, a Kiwanis member, is the club’s official photographer for the event. Islander Photo: Jack Elka

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Seagulls join the flock of worshippers as the sun rises at the 50th annual Easter Sunrise Service at the Manatee Public Beach in Holmes Beach. Islander Photo: Jack Elka

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On the altar at the 50th annual Easter Sunrise Service are St. Bernard Catholic Church deacon Bill Diaz, Kiwanis Club sunrise chair Robyn Kinkopf, the Revs. Stephen King of Harvey Memorial Community Church and Sung Lee of Roser Memorial Community Church, Kiwanis president Dave Miner, the Revs. Rosemary Backer of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church and Ed Moss of CrossPointe Fellowship, and vocalist Daniel Paul Anzaldo. The Rev. Dee De Montmollin of Episcopal Church of Annunciation, not pictured, also participated. Islander Photo: Jack Elka

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Easter morning at Roser Memorial Community Church brings music by the Chancel Choir, with the Rev. Sung Lee, center, presiding over the service. A children’s message was followed by an Easter egg hunt. The lilies on the platform are donated by congregants in honor or memory of loved ones. The service concluded with the “Hallelujah Chorus” sung all. Islander Photo: Courtesy Bev Shepperson